World Flavors Cookbook

Castella (Japanese Sponge Cake)

A popular Japanese sponge cake made of sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup, brought by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century and refined in Nagasaki.

Cuisine: Japan

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1/4 cup honey or syrup
• Zarame (coarse sugar) for the bottom

Instructions

1. Whisk eggs and sugar over a hot water bath until extremely fluffy.
2. Fold in flour and honey mixture carefully.
3. Line a pan with coarse sugar.
4. Bake at 160°C for 45 minutes.
5. Wrap in plastic while warm to keep moisture.